The old money photography secrets Slim Aarons knew (and you may not)

Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor

Today, we’re turning our lens—quite literally—toward the fascinating intersection of photography and old money. From the earliest daguerreotypes in stiff collars to the poolside glamour captured by Slim Aarons, photography has always been a mirror, revealing not just what we look like—but who we *think* we are.

We’ll begin with a little history: how photography was once the domain of the upper class, with hand-colored portraits and family albums kept under lock and key, and how the arrival of the Kodak changed everything—from debutante balls to Riviera summers.

Then we’ll tiptoe into modern-day etiquette: how to take a photo without looking like a try-hard influencer, when it’s actually charming to ask for a picture, and why certain kinds of candids will always feel more elegant than a staged selfie in a wine cave.

And of course, we’ll spend time with the master of leisure himself: Slim Aarons. His lens didn’t just capture old money—it *created* its mythology. From sun-drenched villas in Capri to Ivy League tailgates, he defined what it meant to live “attractive lives in attractive places,” and he did it with a sense of ease, charm, and just enough detachment.

Finally, I’ll share how to take your *own* iconic photos—yes, you too can look like a Kennedy on the Cape, even if you took the ferry—and how to display your images at home so they feel like heirlooms, not dorm room décor. Think archival mats, subtle frames, and a gallery wall that whispers rather than shouts.

So put down your ring light, pour yourself a weak gin and tonic, and let’s dive into the art of appearing timeless on film.

www.kikiastor.com/podcast/